The induction occurred today at the National Retirement Living Summit in Brisbane, where more than 700 delegates from across the country have gathered to learn, network and celebrate.
David Moran, CEO of Southern Cross Care SA, VIC & NT, has more than 20 years of executive experience across retirement living and aged care. Since joining Southern Cross Care in 2011 - and serving as CEO since 2017 - David has played a pivotal role in the organisation's impact and growth including its "Better for life" health promotion agenda and the expansion into Victoria.
David's long-standing involvement with the Retirement Villages Association (RVA), Property Council of Australia and the RLC has helped shape meaningful legislative and regulatory reform across the sector.
David said: "It is just so humbling to have the privilege of being recognised with Honorary Life Membership of the RLC alongside the names of luminaries that I have personally learned from and stood on the shoulders of. The sector's generous collaboration and focus on resident engagement and wellbeing have always been its most enduring qualities."
Rosemary Southgate, Principal at Russell Kennedy Lawyers, has been a cornerstone of legal expertise in the retirement living space for decades. A Law Institute of Victoria Property Law Accredited Specialist, Rosemary has provided trusted advice in aged care, retirement villages, commercial property and leasing. She has been recognised multiple times by Best Lawyers, including being named "Lawyer of the Year" for Retirement Villages and Senior Living Law in 2024, 2019 and 2014.
Rosemary said: "I am honoured to receive this award from the RLC. I have enjoyed working with the RLC and its members over many years. The RLC is vital for the retirement living sector and leads the way with its advocacy and thought leadership work."
Beyond her legal expertise, Rosemary has devoted significant time, resources and advocacy to the sector through her work on the Property Council's Victorian Retirement Living Committee and the RLC's national committees. Her contribution has been instrumental in advancing professional standards, compliance and consumer protections.
RLC President and Aveo Chief Executive Officer, Tony Randello, said the sector is stronger thanks to the leadership of both honourees.
"David and Rosemary have each played an enormous role in shaping the retirement living industry into what it is today," Mr Randello said.
"Their dedication, integrity, and long-term commitment to improving the lives of older Australians have made a lasting impact on the sector - and on the thousands of people who call our communities home."
RLC Executive Director Daniel Gannon said both inductees have demonstrated unwavering commitment to improving the lives of older Australians through better housing and care.
"David and Rosemary represent the best of the retirement living sector - strategic leadership, technical excellence, and a deep sense of purpose," Mr Gannon said.
"It's leaders like David and Rosemary who remind us that this industry is built not just on bricks and mortar, but on purpose, professionalism, and people."
Life Membership is the highest honour awarded by the Retirement Living Council, recognising exceptional, long-term contributions to the industry and the communities it serves.
Ms Southgate and Mr Moran join fellow industry leaders as RLC Life Members:
National Life Members:
Derek McMillan
Alison Quinn
Jim Hazel (also a member of the Australian Property Hall of Fame)
M-L MacDonald
Peter Nilsson
Rosemary Southgate
David Moran
State Life Members:
NSW
Tony Baldwin
Avril Fink
Tom Galletta
QLD
Km Teudt
SA
Loretta Byers
Joan Stone AM
VIC
Jonathan Forster
Peter Govan
Pat Hems
Peter Inge OAM
WA
Ray Fitzgerald
Russell Halpern
